US20230288288A1 - Methods and systems for detecting the presence of an optical fiber - Google Patents
Methods and systems for detecting the presence of an optical fiber Download PDFInfo
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- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 313
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 37
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 94
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 61
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 29
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 11
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 11
- 238000005253 cladding Methods 0.000 description 10
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000010287 polarization Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 208000025174 PANDAS Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000021155 Paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infection Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 240000000220 Panda oleosa Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000016496 Panda oleosa Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004038 photonic crystal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M11/00—Testing of optical apparatus; Testing structures by optical methods not otherwise provided for
- G01M11/30—Testing of optical devices, constituted by fibre optics or optical waveguides
- G01M11/37—Testing of optical devices, constituted by fibre optics or optical waveguides in which light is projected perpendicularly to the axis of the fibre or waveguide for monitoring a section thereof
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M11/00—Testing of optical apparatus; Testing structures by optical methods not otherwise provided for
- G01M11/30—Testing of optical devices, constituted by fibre optics or optical waveguides
- G01M11/33—Testing of optical devices, constituted by fibre optics or optical waveguides with a light emitter being disposed at one fibre or waveguide end-face, and a light receiver at the other end-face
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/255—Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding
- G02B6/2555—Alignment or adjustment devices for aligning prior to splicing
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Abstract
A system for sensing presence of an optical fiber is provided herein. The system may include a first illumination source configured to emit a first light beam along an optical path and a first detector. The first detector may be positioned off of the optical path and configured to detect a portion of the first light beam refracted through the optical fiber when the optical fiber is disposed perpendicular to the first illumination source and at a first position along the optical path between the first illumination source and the first detector. In some embodiments, the system for sensing the presence of an optical fiber may include a collecting lens. The collecting lens may also be configured to direct the portion of the first light beam refracted through the optical fiber to the first detector when the optical fiber is in the first position.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/318,050, filed Mar. 9, 2022, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF AN OPTICAL FIBER,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
- Optical fibers have been widely used in optical systems. In some optical systems, multiple optical fibers can be spliced together or an optical fiber can be bonded to an optical element. During the positioning and alignment processes, it may be desirable to detect the presence of an optical fiber. However, due to the small size and transparent nature of optical fibers, detection of the presence of an optical fiber is often difficult. Current systems and techniques do not provide for reliable and consistent detection of optical fibers. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved methods and systems related to fiber detection.
- The present disclosure relates generally to methods and systems related to optical systems including polarization maintaining fibers. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems that can be used to sense the presence of an optical fiber, for example, during an alignment process. The disclosure is applicable to a variety of applications in lasers and optics, including fiber laser implementations.
- A system for sensing presence of an optical fiber is provided herein. The system may include a first illumination source configured to emit a first light beam along an optical axis (also referred to as an optical path) and a first detector. The first detector may be positioned off of the optical axis and configured to detect a portion of the first light beam refracted through the optical fiber when the optical fiber is disposed perpendicular to the first illumination source and at a first position along the optical axis between the first illumination source and the first detector.
- In some embodiments, the system for sensing the presence of an optical fiber may include a collecting lens. In such embodiments, the collecting lens may be positioned between the optical fiber and the first detector. The collecting lens may also be configured to direct the portion of the first light beam refracted through the optical fiber to the first detector when the optical fiber is in the first position.
- In some embodiments, the system for sensing the presence of an optical fiber may include a second illumination source and a second detector. In such embodiments, the second illumination source may be configured to emit a second light beam and may be positioned at a second position disposed along an axis orthogonal to the optical axis. Additionally, the second detector may be positioned at a third position disposed along the axis orthogonal to the optical axis, and configured to detect refracted light from the second light beam being refracted through the optical fiber when the optical fiber is disposed perpendicular to the second illumination source and between the second illumination source and the second detector in a second position. The second position and the third position may be characterized by an equal distance from the optical axis.
- In embodiments including a second detector, the system for sensing the presence of an optical fiber may include a second collecting lens. For example, a second collecting lens may be positioned between the optical fiber and the second detector and configured to direct the refracted light from the optical fiber to the second detector when the optical fiber is in the second position.
- A method of detecting an optical fiber is also provided herein. The method may include providing an optical fiber presence sensing system. For example, the optical fiber presence sensing system may include a first illumination source that is configured to emit a light beam, and a first detector. The first detector may be positioned off-axis from the first illumination source and configured to detect the presence of light. The method may also include positioning an optical fiber such that a length of the optical fiber is perpendicular to the first illumination source and emitting, by the first illumination source, a light beam onto at least a portion of the optical fiber. The method may further include detecting, by the first detector, the optical fiber based on the light beam. For example, detecting the optical fiber based on the light beam may include detecting, by the first detector, at least a portion of a refracted beam formed by the light beam refracting through the at least a portion of the optical fiber.
- In some embodiments, the optical fiber presence sensing system may further include a second illumination source and a second detector. In such embodiments, the method may further include determining, by the first detector and the second detector, a position of the optical fiber.
- Numerous benefits are achieved by way of the present disclosure over conventional techniques. For example, embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for detecting the presence of optical fibers that are transparent and small. These and other embodiments of the disclosure, along with many of its advantages and features, are described in more detail in conjunction with the text below and corresponding figures.
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FIG. 1A is a simplified schematic diagram of an optical fiber presence sensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of an optical fiber as provided in the optical fiber presence sensing system illustrated byFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 2A is a simplified perspective view diagram illustrating an optical fiber presence sensing system, such as the optical fiber presence sensing system illustrated inFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 2B is a simplified plan view diagram illustrating an optical fiber presence sensing system, such as the optical fiber presence sensing system illustrated inFIG. 1A . -
FIGS. 3A-C illustrate several operational stages of operating the optical fiber presence sensing system illustrated inFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic diagram of an optical fiber presence sensing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a simplified flowchart illustrating a method of sensing the presence of an optical fiber using an optical fiber presence sensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. - The present disclosure relates generally to methods and systems related to optical systems including polarization maintaining fibers. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems that can be used to detect the presence of a fiber optic cable, also referred to an optical fiber. The disclosure is applicable to a variety of applications in lasers and optics, including fiber laser implementations.
- Optical fibers generally have small diameters, such as, for example a diameter of 125 μm or less. Due to its small diameter, detection of an optical fiber during alignment and positioning processes can be difficult. The transparency of the optical fiber also adds to the difficulty of sensing its presence. Conventional detection techniques, such as retro-reflection, direct block, or converging light are inadequate for sensing optical fibers due to the fiber's small diameter and visual transparency. Additionally, optical fibers are not electrically conductive, and thus, electrical current cannot be used for detection purposes. As such, there is a need for improved methods and systems related to detection of the presence of an optical fiber.
- To detect optical fibers, an optical fiber presence sensing system and related method of detection are provided herein. The optical fiber presence sensing system, as described below, can detect light that is refracted through an optical fiber. When an optical fiber is present, the refracted light is sensed by the optical fiber presence sensing system and when the optical fiber is not present, the refracted light is not produced, and thus not sensed by the optical fiber presence sensing system. The optical fiber presence sensing system, and related detection methods, provide for a reliable and consistent means of detecting the presence of an optical fiber.
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FIG. 1A is a simplified schematic diagram of an optical fiberpresence sensing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the optical fiberpresence sensing system 100 may include anillumination source 102 and adetector 104. Theillumination source 102 may be positioned to emit alight beam 108 toward thedetector 104 along anoptical axis 103. As illustrated inFIG. 1A , theoptical axis 103, which can also be referred to as an optical path, is aligned with the z-axis, which can also be referred to as a longitudinal axis. Thelight beam 108 may be a collimated light beam. Theillumination source 102 may include a laser, a light emitting diode (LED), an arc lamp, a fiber optic illuminator, an incandescent source, a fluorescent source, a phosphorescent source, or the like. Thedetector 104 can be a photodiode, an array of photodiodes, a camera, or the like. - An
optical fiber 106 may be positioned along theoptical axis 103 between theillumination source 102 and thedetector 104. Theoptical fiber 106 may be a transparent optical fiber. In some embodiments, theoptical fiber 106 may include a jacket or coating provided by a manufacturer. In other embodiments, theoptical fiber 106 may not include a jacket or coating. Theoptical fiber 106 may have a diameter that is less than 250 μm. For example, theoptical fiber 106 may have a diameter that is less than 225 μm, less than 200 μm, less than 175 μm, less than 150 μm, less than 125 μm, or less than 100 μm. In various embodiments, the optical fiber may be a polarization maintaining fiber. For example, the optical fiber may be or include bow-tie fibers, panda fibers, multi-core fibers, elliptical fibers, photonic crystal optical fibers, and the like. - The
optical fiber 106 may be positioned along theoptical axis 103 such that thelight beam 108 illuminates at least a portion of theoptical fiber 106. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1A , theoptical fiber 106 is positioned along theoptical axis 103 in a centered configuration such that thelight beam 108 illuminates theoptical fiber 106 over the entire diameter of theoptical fiber 106. InFIG. 1A , the diameter of thelight beam 108 and the diameter of theoptical fiber 106 are equal, but this is not required and in other embodiments, the diameter of thelight beam 108 is less than the diameter of theoptical fiber 106 or the diameter of thelight beam 108 is greater than the diameter of theoptical fiber 106. Moreover, although theoptical fiber 106 is centered on the origin of the x-z axes, theoptical fiber 106 may be positioned at a location with a positive or negative z-position as well as a positive or negative x-position as long as an overlap exists between thelight beam 108 and theoptical fiber 106. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, modifications, and alternatives. - For ease of discussion,
FIG. 1B is provided to illustrate a side view of theoptical fiber 106 as provided in the optical fiberpresence sensing system 100. As shown byFIG. 1B , theoptical fiber 106 may include afiber body 132 and a fiber core/cladding 135. The fiber core/cladding 135 can terminate at anemission face 134. Thefiber body 132 includes ajacket 130 surrounding the fiber core/cladding 135 in thefiber body 132. Light is emitted fromemission face 134 during operation of theoptical fiber 106. - For the
optical fiber 106 illustrated inFIG. 1B , the fiber core/cladding 135 is characterized by a length L. As described more fully in relation toFIGS. 2A and 2B , the fiber core/cladding 135 can be disposed in the optical fiberpresence sensing system 100 such that the fiber core/cladding 135 of theoptical fiber 106 can be positioned with the length L perpendicular to theoptical axis 103 corresponding to thelight beam 108 emitted by theillumination source 102. The length L of the fiber core/cladding 135 of theoptical fiber 106, and the position of theoptical fiber 106 with respect to theillumination source 102 is described in greater detail with respect toFIGS. 2A and 2B . - Referring once again to
FIG. 1A , theoptical fiber 106 may be positioned along theoptical axis 103 of thelight beam 108 as emitted by theillumination source 102. InFIGS. 1A and 1B , the fiber core/cladding 135 extends along the y-axis, which is collinear with theoptical axis 103. In other embodiments, theoptical fiber 106 may be positioned such that portions of thelight beam 108 refract through at least a portion of the fiber core/cladding 135 of theoptical fiber 106. For example, thelight beam 108 may refract through one or both of afirst side 116A of the optical fiber 106 (i.e., the top half cylinder portion of the optical fiber) and asecond side 116B of the optical fiber 106 (i.e., the bottom half cylinder portion of the optical fiber). - Due to the cylindrical nature of the fiber core/cladding 135 of the
optical fiber 106, thelight beam 108 refracts through thefirst side 116A and thesecond side 116B of theoptical fiber 106 to form first refractedbeam 110A and the second refractedbeam 110B. First refractedbeam 110A and second refractedbeam 110B are understood to include the light beams refracted at the angles inangular range 112 between the first refractedbeam 110A and the second refractedbeam 110B. Because the first refractedbeam 110A and the second refractedbeam 110B are refracted through theoptical fiber 106, which acts as a cylindrical lens, the first refractedbeam 110A and the second refractedbeam 110B may form a vertical line along theangular range 112 that is perpendicular to the length of theoptical fiber 106. The width of the vertical line will be equal to the width (measured along the y-axis) of thelight beam 108. In some embodiments, the width of the vertical line may also depend on a distance from theillumination source 102 and the divergence of the first refractedbeam 110A and the second refractedbeam 110B. The vertical line (aligned with the x-axis) formed along theangular range 112 is discussed in greater detail below with reference toFIGS. 3A-3C . - To detect the presence of the
optical fiber 106, thedetector 104 may be positioned off-axis from thelight beam 108 emitted by theillumination source 102. In other words, thedetector 104 may be positioned off of theoptical axis 103. Positioning thedetector 104 off-axis may mean positioning thedetector 104 either at a predetermined distance along the x-axis above or below theillumination source 102. Since thedetector 104 can be in alignment with theillumination source 102 in the x-z plane (i.e., not displaced along the y-axis), thedetector 104 will receive light refracted through the optical fiber and, therefore, be able to detect the presence of theoptical fiber 106 as a result of refraction of thelight beam 108 by theoptical fiber 106. Although thedetector 104 inFIG. 1A is oriented perpendicular to theoptical fiber 106, in some embodiments, thedetector 104 may be tilted toward theoptical fiber 106. - By positioning the
detector 104 off of the optical axis of thelight beam 108 emitted by theillumination source 102, thedetector 104 may only receive and thereby detect a portion of the vertical line formed by the first refractedbeam 110A and the second refractedbeam 110B. Since the first refractedbeam 110A and the second refractedbeam 110B are formed as a result of refraction by theoptical fiber 106, if theoptical fiber 106 is not present, then the first refractedbeam 110A and the second refractedbeam 110B are not formed, and theoptical fiber 106 is not sensed. - It should be understood that in some embodiments, if the
optical fiber 106 is positioned such that its length is aligned with the x-axis rather than the y-axis, then the first refractedbeam 110A and the second refractedbeam 110B may form a horizontal line along the y-axis instead of a vertical line along the x-axis. In such cases, thedetector 104 may be positioned off-axis along the x-axis such that at least a portion of the horizontal line impinges on thedetector 104. -
FIG. 2A is a simplified perspective view diagram illustrating an optical fiber presence sensing system, such as the optical fiber presence sensing system illustrated inFIG. 1A .FIG. 2B is a simplified plan view diagram illustrating an optical fiber presence sensing system, such as the optical fiber presence sensing system illustrated inFIG. 1A . - Referring to
FIGS. 2A and 2B , a perspective view diagram 200A and aplan view 200B of an optical fiber presence sensing system, such as the optical fiberpresence sensing system 100 illustrated inFIG. 1A , are provided. As shown, the optical fiber presence sensing system depicted in perspective view diagram 200A includes anillumination source 202 and adetector 204. Theillumination source 202 and thedetector 204 may be the same or similar to theillumination source 102 and thedetector 104 as described above with respect toFIG. 1A . Accordingly, the description provided in relation toFIGS. 1A and 1B is applicable toFIGS. 2A and 2B as appropriate. - As shown, an
optical fiber 206 may be positioned between theillumination source 202 and thedetector 204. Theoptical fiber 206 may be positioned using apositioner 220. Thepositioner 220 may be part of the optical fiber presence sensing system and may be configured to hold theoptical fiber 206 in a predetermined position. In some embodiments, thepositioner 220 may be a clamp. In other embodiments, thepositioner 220 may be an optical fiber stage or platform containing a v-groove that holds theoptical fiber 206 in a predetermined position. In still further embodiments, thepositioner 220 may include one or more rolling guides supporting and/or directing anoptical fiber 106. For example, theoptical fiber 106 may be moved using thepositioner 220 such that it is positioned to be in the path of thelight beam 108. Those skilled in the art would readily appreciate the various configurations of thepositioner 220. - The
optical fiber 106 may be positioned such that alength 236 of theoptical fiber 206 is perpendicular to a light beam being emitted or transmitted from theillumination source 202 to thedetector 204. Theoptical fiber 206 may also be positioned such that a light beam emitted from theillumination source 102 illuminates at least a portion of theoptical fiber 206. As depicted byregion 238, an end portion of theoptical fiber 206 is illuminated by a light beam emitted by (i.e., transmitted from) theillumination source 202. - Referring now to
FIG. 2B , aplan view 200B of the optical fiberpresence sensing system 100 shown inFIG. 1A is depicted in a perspective view diagram 200A. As shown byplan view 200B, theillumination source 202 may include anemitter 222 of theillumination source 202 from which thelight beam 208 is emitted. In embodiments, theoptical fiber 206 may be supported by thepositioner 220 such that thelength 236 of theoptical fiber 206 may be oriented in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis of alight beam 208 that is emitted from theemitter 222. In other embodiments, theoptical fiber 206 may be oriented in a direction that is angled with respect to the optical axis of alight beam 208 that is emitted from theemitter 222. Although theoptical fiber 206 may be supported by thepositioner 220 such that thelength 236 of theoptical fiber 206 is oriented in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis of alight beam 208 as emitted from theemitter 222, i.e., thelength 236 of theoptical fiber 206 is aligned with the y-axis, theoptical fiber 206 may be positioned at a position along the x-axis such that theoptical fiber 206 does not lie in the same plane as thelight beam 208, i.e., the y-z plane. Additionally, theoptical fiber 206 may be supported by thepositioner 220 such that thelength 236 of theoptical fiber 206 is oriented in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis of alight beam 208 as emitted from theemitter 222, i.e., thelength 236 of theoptical fiber 206 is aligned with the y-axis, but theoptical fiber 206 may be positioned at a position along the y-axis such that theoptical fiber 206 does not extend far enough along the y-axis to refract thelight beam 208. - Accordingly, the
optical fiber 206 may also be placed on the same plane as theemitter 222 and thelight beam 208 as well as at a position along the y-axis such that thelight beam 208 emitted from theemitter 222 is directed onto at least a portion of theoptical fiber 206, as indicated by theregion 238 shown inFIG. 2B . - The
light beam 208 emitted from theemitter 222 of theillumination source 202 may be transmitted along theoptical path 239 and impinge on thedetector 204. Specifically, thelight beam 208 emitted by theillumination source 202 may impinge on acase 234 of thedetector 204. As shown byFIG. 2A , which illustrates the condition in which theoptical fiber 206 is not present in the fiber presence sensing system, the light beam is visible on thecase 234 of thedetector 204 atcontact point 214. In this example, since theoptical fiber 206 is not present along theoptical path 239, thelight beam 208 emitted by theemitter 222 of theillumination source 202 does not interact with theoptical fiber 206 and thelight beam 208 impinges on thecase 234 of thedetector 204 at thecontact point 214 after free space propagation from theemitter 222 of theillumination source 202. - The
detector 204 may also include asensor 224. When theoptical fiber 206 is not present as illustrated inFIG. 2B , thelight beam 208 emitted from theemitter 222 of theillumination source 202 will be undisturbed as it propagates alongoptical path 239, impinging on thecase 234 of thedetector 204 at thecontact point 214. As a result, the signal measured at thesensor 224 will be negligible or zero. - When the
optical fiber 206 is supported by thepositioner 220 such that thelength 236 of theoptical fiber 206 is oriented in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis of alight beam 208 as emitted from theemitter 222, i.e., thelength 236 of theoptical fiber 206 is aligned with the y-axis, theoptical fiber 206 is positioned at a position along the y-axis such that theoptical fiber 206 crosses theoptical path 239, and theoptical fiber 206 is positioned at a position along the x-axis such that theoptical fiber 206 lies in the same plane as thelight beam 208, i.e., the y-z plane, thelight beam 208 emitted by theemitter 222 of theillumination source 202 will interact with theoptical fiber 206. In some cases, thelength 236 of theoptical fiber 206 does not have to be aligned with the y-axis and theoptical fiber 206 can be positioned at a position along the y-axis such that theoptical fiber 206 crosses theoptical path 239 and theoptical fiber 206 can be positioned at a position along the x-axis such that theoptical fiber 206 lies in the same plane as thelight beam 208, thereby resulting in thelight beam 208 emitted by theemitter 222 of theillumination source 202 interacting with theoptical fiber 206. - As discussed more fully in relation to
FIGS. 3B and 3C , theoptical fiber 206 can be positioned at a position intersecting with thelight beam 208, i.e., the optical fiber can be present in the optical fiberpresence sensing system 100 illustrated inFIG. 1A alongoptical path 239, such that thelight beam 208 emitted by theemitter 222 of theillumination source 202 will be refracted by theoptical fiber 206 and propagate through theoptical fiber 206, which will act as a cylindrical lens, resulting in thelight beam 208 being refracted to form a vertical line (aligned with the x-direction) due to this refraction. The vertical line produced as a result of refraction of thelight beam 208 by theoptical fiber 206 may extend vertically (i.e., along the x-axis) from thecontact point 214 on thecase 234 of thedetector 204 toward thesensor 224 of thedetector 204. Thus, when the optical fiber is present in the optical fiber presence sensing system alongoptical path 239, thesensor 224 will sense light present in the vertical line produced as a result of refraction of thelight beam 208 by theoptical fiber 206, indicating the presence of the optical fiber in the optical fiber presence sensing system. - As illustrated in
FIG. 2A , thesensor 224 of thedetector 204 is positioned off-axis with respect to theillumination source 202. In other words, thesensor 224 of thedetector 204 is located at a position above the y-z axis such that thelight beam 208 impinges on thecase 234 of thedetector 204 at a position below thesensor 224. As a result, thesensor 224 is displaced with respect to thecontact point 214, which corresponds to the position at which thelight beam 208 impinges on thecase 234 of thedetector 204 in the absence of the optical fiber. Thus, by positioning thesensor 224 ofdetector 204 off-axis with respect to theoptical path 239, in this embodiment, at a predetermined position along the x-axis, thesensor 224 will only receive light corresponding to the vertical line extending along the x-axis when the refracted beams are formed as a result of the presence of theoptical fiber 206. -
FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate several operational stages of operating the optical fiber presence sensing system illustrated inFIG. 1A . In particular,FIGS. 3A-3C provide afirst image 300A, asecond image 300B, and athird image 300C, respectively, of a contact point of a light beam received by a detector of the optical fiber presence sensing system illustrated inFIG. 1A . Thelight beam 108 illustrated inFIG. 1A may be produced by an illumination source, such as theillumination source 102 illustrated inFIG. 1A or theillumination source 202 illustrated inFIG. 2A . - Referring to
FIG. 3A , thefirst image 300A includes acontact point 314A that is formed on ascreen 305 for a straight through control condition. In the straight through control condition, the optical fiber is not present in the optical fiber presence sensing system as discussed above. As shown inFIG. 3A , thecontact point 314A included in thefirst image 300A does not include a vertical line. Instead, thecontact point 314A is a circular point. Thecontact point 314A may be produced by the impingement of thelight beam 108 shown inFIG. 1A on the case of the detector, i.e., as it is received at the detector, for example, thedetector 104 or thedetector 204, when there is no optical fiber present in the optical fiber presence sensing system. - Referring to
FIG. 3B , thesecond image 300B includes acontact point 314B that is formed on ascreen 305 for a condition in which an optical fiber is present in the optical fiber presence sensing system and the optical fiber is sensed using the optical fiber presence sensing system. The optical fiber may be the same or similar to theoptical fiber 106 illustrated inFIG. 1A or theoptical fiber 206 illustrated inFIG. 2A . Thecontact point 314B is no longer a circular point, but has expanded to form avertical line 344B. Thevertical line 344B may extend vertically through and beyond thecontact point 314B on one or both sides of thevertical line 344B. As discussed above, thevertical line 344B may be formed by light beams refracted through the optical fiber as they impinge onscreen 305. Considering the optical fiber along the axial direction of the optical fiber (i.e., along the y-axis as illustrated inFIG. 1A ), the shape of the fiber will correspond to a cylindrical lens. In the horizontal direction inFIG. 3B (i.e., along the y-axis as illustrated inFIG. 1A ), the light passes through the optical fiber, but experiences no focusing since the axial direction of the fiber is aligned with the horizontal direction. However, in the vertical direction (i.e., along the z-axis), the optical fiber will act as a cylindrical lens, focusing the incident light beam at a focus point between the position of the optical fiber and location of thescreen 305, then diverging to formvertical line 344B onscreen 305. Thus, thevertical line 344B is formed when the optical fiber is present in the optical fiber presence sensing system. To detect the presence of the optical fiber, the sensor of the detector may sense at least a portion of the light forming thevertical line 344B, as discussed above. - The
vertical line 344B may form perpendicular to the length of the optical fiber. For example, returning toFIG. 2A , if avertical line 344B was formed in response to the presence of theoptical fiber 206 in the optical fiber presence sensing system, thevertical line 344B would form vertically on thecase 234 of thedetector 204, extending along the x-direction from thecontact point 214 to thesensor 224. - The optical fiber presence sensing system can also detect an optical fiber when the optical fiber is not transparent. For example, the optical fiber may be coated, have a covering, or be made from non-transparent materials. To demonstrate the detection capabilities of the optical fiber presence sensing system, an optical fiber was blackened. Referring now to
FIG. 3C , thethird image 300C includes acontact point 314C for the blackened optical fiber. As shown, thecontact point 314C formed onscreen 305 includes a reduced intensityvertical line 344C. The reduced intensityvertical line 344C extends vertically through and beyond thecontact point 314C. The reduced intensityvertical line 344C may be shorter (e.g., extend along the x-axis by a reduced distance beyond thecontact point 314C) than thevertical line 344B because the optical fiber present in the optical fiber presence sensing system corresponding toFIG. 3C is not transparent. However, as illustrated inFIG. 3C , even optical fibers having non-transparent materials may be detected by embodiments of the present invention. As those skilled in the art would recognize, in the case where the optical fiber is non-transparent, the optical mechanism may be diffraction instead of refraction. - In some embodiments, there may be more than one illumination source and more than one detector.
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FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic diagram of an optical fiber presence sensing system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 4 , an optical fiberpresence sensing system 400 is illustrated, according to an embodiment herein. As shown, the optical fiberpresence sensing system 400 may include afirst illumination source 402A and asecond illumination source 402B. Thefirst illumination source 402A and thesecond illumination source 402B may be the same or similar to theillumination source 102 illustrated inFIG. 1A . The optical fiberpresence sensing system 400 may allow for detection of a position of an optical fiber when disposed in the optical fiberpresence sensing system 400. - The optical fiber
presence sensing system 400 may also include afirst detector 404A and asecond detector 404B. Thefirst detector 404A and thesecond detector 404B may be the same or similar to thedetector 104 illustrated inFIG. 1A . Thefirst illumination source 402A may be configured to emit afirst light beam 408A towards thefirst detector 404A. Thefirst light beam 408A is centered on firstoptical axis 403A. Thesecond illumination source 402B may be configured to emit a secondlight beam 408B towards thesecond detector 404B. The secondlight beam 408B is centered on secondoptical axis 403B. Thefirst detector 404A may be positioned off-axis with respect to thefirst light beam 408A produced by thefirst illumination source 402A. In other words, thefirst detector 404A may be positioned along the x-axis at an x-position separated from the x-position along the x-axis where thefirst light beam 408A is located. Thus, thefirst detector 404A is off-axis with respect tofirst light beam 408A produced by thefirst illumination source 402A. - Similarly, the
second detector 404B may be positioned off-axis from thesecond illumination source 402B. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4 , thesecond detector 404B is positioned at a greater x-position than the position of the secondoptical axis 403B on whichsecond light beam 408B is centered. Thefirst detector 404A and thesecond detector 404B may be positioned such that each detector can only receive a vertical line formed by refracted beams formed from a respective light beam, i.e.,first light beam 408A and secondlight beam 408B, respectively. For example, thefirst detector 404A may be positioned to only receive light from a vertical line formed by refracted beams produced as a result of the interaction of thefirst light beam 408A with theoptical fiber 406, and thesecond detector 404B may be positioned to only receive light from a vertical line formed by refracted beams produced as a result of the interaction of the secondlight beam 408B with theoptical fiber 406 positioned in the optionalsecond position 407. - In some embodiments, the
first illumination source 402A and thesecond illumination source 402B may be configured to emit different wavelengths. In such embodiments, thefirst detector 404A and thesecond detector 404B may be configured to detect the wavelength of the respective illumination source, i.e., thefirst illumination source 402A and thesecond illumination source 402B, respectively. Although the present example illustrated inFIG. 4 illustrates two illumination sources and two detectors, it should be appreciated that any number of illumination sources and/or detectors may be used. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, modifications, and alternatives. - As shown, an
optical fiber 406 may be disposed between thefirst illumination source 402A and thefirst detector 404A. Theoptical fiber 406 may be the same or similar to theoptical fiber 106 illustrated inFIG. 1A or theoptical fiber 206 illustrated inFIG. 2A . Theoptical fiber 406 may be positioned such that a length of theoptical fiber 406 is perpendicular to thefirst light beam 408A emitted by thefirst illumination source 402A. Similarly, theoptical fiber 406 may be positioned in the optionalsecond position 407 such that a length of theoptical fiber 406 positioned in the optionalsecond position 407 is perpendicular to the secondlight beam 408B emitted by thesecond illumination source 402B. - The optical fiber
presence sensing system 400 may allow for theoptical fiber 406 to be sensed in more than one position. For example, when theoptical fiber 406 is positioned in a first position, as illustrated inFIG. 4 , thefirst detector 404A may detect the presence of theoptical fiber 406. When theoptical fiber 406 is positioned in an optionalsecond position 407, thesecond detector 404B may detect the presence of theoptical fiber 406 in this optionalsecond position 407. - To sense the
optical fiber 406 in the first position as illustrated inFIG. 4 , thefirst light beam 408A may be emitted onto at least a portion of the length of theoptical fiber 406. As discussed above, due to the cylindrical nature of the length of theoptical fiber 406, thefirst light beam 408A may be refracted by the optical fiber to form the first refractedbeam 410A and the second refractedbeam 410B. The first refractedbeam 410A and the second refractedbeam 410B are understood to include refracted beams at angles within theangular range 412. The first refractedbeam 410A and the second refractedbeam 410B may form a vertical line, such asvertical line 344B depicted inFIG. 3B . A portion of the vertical line formed by the first refractedbeam 410A and the second refractedbeam 410B may be received by thefirst detector 404A atpoint 414. Based on receiving a portion of the vertical line formed by the first refractedbeam 410A and the second refractedbeam 410B, thefirst detector 404A may detect the presence of theoptical fiber 406 in the first position. In embodiments where theoptical fiber 406 is in the optionalsecond position 407, thesecond detector 404B may detect the presence of theoptical fiber 406 in the optionalsecond position 407 via a similar technique. - In some embodiments, the optical fiber
presence sensing system 400 may include one or more collecting lenses. For example, afirst collecting lens 418A may be positioned in front of thefirst detector 404A. In other words, thefirst collecting lens 418A may be positioned between theoptical fiber 406 and thefirst detector 404A. Asecond collecting lens 418B may be similarly positioned in front of thesecond detector 404B. Thefirst collecting lens 418A may be positioned to capture at least a portion of the first refractedbeam 410A and the second refractedbeam 410B and direct the first refractedbeam 410A and the second refractedbeam 410B towards thefirst detector 404A. Similarly, thesecond collecting lens 418B may be positioned to capture at least a portion of light refracted by theoptical fiber 406 when disposed in the optionalsecond position 407, and direct the refracted light to thesecond detector 404B. In some embodiments, thefirst collecting lens 418A and/or thesecond collecting lens 418B may include a folding mirror or beam splitter. Depending on the configuration of the optical fiberpresence sensing system 400, a collecting lens, a folding mirror, or a beam splitter may be used to direct the first refractedbeam 410A and the second refractedbeam 410B to thefirst detector 404A and/or thesecond detector 404B. - As noted above, the
first detector 404A and thesecond detector 404B may each be positioned off-axis from a respective illumination source. As shown inFIG. 4 , thesecond detector 404B may be off-axis from thesecond illumination source 402B such that the secondlight beam 408B is not received by thesecond detector 404B when theoptical fiber 406 is not present in the optionalsecond position 407. Thesecond detector 404B may also be positioned to not receive either the first refractedbeam 410A or the second refractedbeam 410B that may be refracted from theoptical fiber 406 when theoptical fiber 406 is in the first position illustrated inFIG. 4 . Similarly, thefirst detector 404A may be positioned off-axis from thefirst illumination source 402A to not receive thefirst light beam 408A when theoptical fiber 406 is not in the first position illustrated inFIG. 4 . Additionally, thefirst detector 404A may be positioned to not receive light from the secondlight beam 408B that is refracted by theoptical fiber 406 when the optical fiber is in the optionalsecond position 407. One example of positions for thefirst detector 404A and thesecond detector 404B may be that thefirst detector 404A is positioned off-axis along the x-axis below thefirst illumination source 402A and thesecond detector 404B may be positioned off-axis along the x-axis above thesecond illumination source 402B. -
FIG. 5 is a simplified flowchart illustrating a method of sensing the presence of an optical fiber using an optical fiber presence sensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. For ease of discussion, themethod 500 illustrated inFIG. 5 is described with reference toFIG. 1A ; however, it should be understood that any systems or techniques described herein may be applicable. - The
method 500 of sensing the presence of an optical fiber using an optical fiber presence sensing system includes providing the optical fiber presence sensing system (505). The optical fiber presence sensing system, for example, optical fiberpresence sensing system 100, includes a first illumination source that is configured to emit a light beam along an optical path. For example, the first illumination source may be a laser or an LED. The light beam can be emitted along an optical path aligned with an optical axis of the first illumination source. The optical fiber presence sensing system may also include a first detector, such as thedetector 104 illustrated inFIG. 1 . The detector may be positioned off-axis with respect to the optical path along which the light beam emitted from the first illumination source propagates, as illustrated inFIG. 1A , and be configured to detect the presence of light. - The
method 500 also includes positioning an optical fiber along the optical path (510). In some embodiments, the optical fiber is positioned such that the length of the optical fiber is perpendicular to the optical path along which the light beam emitted by the first illumination source propagates. The optical fiber, for exampleoptical fiber 106 illustrated inFIG. 1A , may be positioned such that its length, L, is perpendicular to the optical path of the light beam emitted by the first illumination source. - The
method 500 further includes impinging the light beam onto at least a portion of the optical fiber (515). For example, the first illumination source may emit alight beam 108 that impinges on theoptical fiber 106, as illustrated inFIG. 1A . - The
method 500 additionally includes refracting light from the light beam by at least a portion of the optical fiber (520). As illustrated inFIG. 1A , first refractedbeam 110A and second refractedbeam 110B are produced aslight beam 108 is refracted byoptical fiber 106. The method also includes detecting, based at least in part on the refracted beam and using the first detector, the optical fiber (525). For example, the optical fiberpresence sensing system 100 may detect theoptical fiber 106 based on the first refractedbeam 110A or the second refractedbeam 110B. In some embodiments, detecting the optical fiber may further include detecting, using the first detector, at least a portion of a refracted beam. For example, thedetector 104 may detect one or both of the first refractedbeam 110A and the second refractedbeam 110B. As described above, the first refractedbeam 110A and the second refractedbeam 110B may be formed by refracting through a portion of theoptical fiber 106. - In some embodiments, the optical fiber
presence sensing system 100 may further include a second illumination source and a second detector. In such embodiments, themethod 500 may further include determining, using the first detector and the second detector, a position of the optical fiber. For example, as illustrated byFIG. 4 , the position of theoptical fiber 406 may be determined by thefirst detector 404A and thesecond detector 404B. - It should be appreciated that the specific steps illustrated in
FIG. 5 provide a particular method of detecting an optical fiber according to an embodiment of the present invention. Other sequences of steps may also be performed according to alternative embodiments. For example, alternative embodiments of the present invention may perform the steps outlined above in a different order. Moreover, the individual steps illustrated inFIG. 5 may include multiple sub-steps that may be performed in various sequences as appropriate to the individual step. Furthermore, additional steps may be added or removed depending on the particular applications. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, modifications, and alternatives. - The examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only. Various modifications or changes in light thereof will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. These are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application, and the scope of the appended claims, which follow.
Claims (13)
1. A system for sensing presence of an optical fiber, the system comprising:
a first illumination source configured to emit a first light beam along an optical path; and
a first detector, wherein the first detector is:
positioned off of the optical path; and
configured to detect a portion of the first light beam refracted through the optical fiber when the optical fiber is disposed perpendicular to the first illumination source and at a first position along the optical path between the first illumination source and the first detector.
2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a collecting lens, wherein the collecting lens is:
positioned between the optical fiber and the first detector; and
configured to direct the portion of the first light beam refracted through the optical fiber to the first detector when the optical fiber is in the first position.
3. The system of claim 2 , further comprising a second illumination source and a second detector, wherein:
the second illumination source is:
configured to emit a second light beam; and
positioned at a second position disposed along a second optical path orthogonal to the optical path; and
the second detector is:
positioned at a third position disposed along the second optical path; and
configured to detect refracted light from the second light beam being refracted through the optical fiber when the optical fiber is disposed perpendicular to the second illumination source and between the second illumination source and the second detector in the second position.
4. The system of claim 3 , further comprising:
a second collecting lens, wherein the second collecting lens is:
positioned between the optical fiber and the second detector; and
configured to direct the refracted light from the optical fiber to the second detector when the optical fiber is in the second position.
5. The system of claim 3 , wherein the second position and the third position are characterized by an equal distance from the optical path.
6. The system of claim 3 , wherein:
the first illumination source comprises a first laser;
the first detector comprises a first photodiode;
the second illumination source comprises a second laser; and
the second detector comprises a second photodiode.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the first illumination source comprises a laser.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the first detector comprises a photodiode.
9. A method of detecting an optical fiber, the method comprising:
providing an optical fiber presence sensing system comprising:
a first illumination source configured to emit a light beam along an optical path; and
a first detector, wherein the first detector is:
positioned off-axis with respect to the optical path; and
configured to detect the presence of light;
positioning an optical fiber along the optical path;
impinging the light beam onto at least a portion of the optical fiber;
refracting light from the light beam by at least a portion of the optical fiber to produce a refracted beam; and
detecting, based at least in part on the refracted beam and using the first detector, the optical fiber.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein detecting the optical fiber comprises detecting, using the first detector, at least a portion of the refracted beam.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein the optical fiber presence sensing system further comprises a second illumination source and a second detector.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising determining, using the first detector and the second detector, a position of the optical fiber.
13. The method of claim 9 wherein a length of the optical fiber is perpendicular to the optical path.
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